Project Lead: Ava McGee
Contact: ewb.nicaragua.pl@gmail.com
Meeting Time: Mondays 8:00-9:00PM (MTH 0101)
El Cacao is a small community in rural Nicaragua, composed of about 100 families. El Cacao is located in Carazo, which stretches along the western coast of Nicaragua and is south of the capital city Managua. Our project is primarily focused on improving El Cacao’s water distribution system and expanding access to clean water within the community.
Our chapter first traveled to El Cacao in January 2018 to assess the needs of the community. We documented local topography and infrastructure and performed water and soil tests to lay the groundwork for our goals. We also got to know members of the community and heard firsthand what changes they would like to see implemented. We found a widespread lack of access to clean water coupled with great disparity in access across the community. Some families rely on infrequent water transported from a nearby city whereas other families can only access water from a nearby river.
Our past and future implementation trips are centered around improving the community’s access to clean water and general health. In 2019 we performed an implementation trip to construct a 10,000L water tank and handwashing station at the local school. During our upcoming August 2023 implementation trip we plan to construct a solar water pump and 5000L water tank. Additionally, we plan to install water flow meters throughout the community and renovate the community school latrines to improve sanitation for El Cacao’s students.
January 2018 El Cacao Assessment Trip pics:
January 2018 El Cacao Assessment Trip video: